On Saturday July 8, 2006 from 10am until 2pm, the Portsmouth Police Department joined forces with Officers from the Rye Police and the NH Highway Patrol in an effort to help curb excessive motorcycle noise throughout the seacoast area. This initiative was part of a larger seacoast law enforcement action that included similar enforcement at the same time by the Hampton NH Police and Seabrook NH Police (please contact those agencies as we do not have their results).

Portsmouth, Rye and Highway Patrol Officers focused enforcement actions within the greater downtown area of Portsmouth and Route 1A in Rye.

Officer were specifically educating the public and enforcing traffic laws such as

RSA 266:59a (Motorcycle noise levels-no more than 106 decibels)

RSA 265:122 Protective Headgear (no person less than 18 years old may be on MC without helmet)

RSA 266:1 Inspection (all MC must be inspected by July 1st of each year).

In addition to these State Laws, various other city ordinances were also referenced including:
Misuse of Power, Misuse of braking power, rapid acceleration/deceleration and racing of engines.

As a result of these directed enforcement patrols in the Portsmouth/Rye area, 28 motorcycles were stopped with 4 drivers issued summonses for having loud exhaust/motorcycle noise levels more than 106 decibles. The remainders of the infractions were less severe and were given warnings with instructions to have the violation(s) fixed within 14 days.

The Portsmouth Police Department will continue to conduct these initiatives throughout the summer and will continue with our exhaustive educational initiative advising motorcycle operators/owners of these requirements.